MLK Reflections on the Selma March, Bloody Sunday, SNCC and Communism

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Abstract

Dr. King discusses the Selma to Montgomery march, calling it the "most powerful and dramatic civil rights protest ever held in the south." Dr. King also addresses criticism of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee's tactics. He concludes these notes by responding to claims that he has communist ties, denying any foreign or left-wing influence on his actions. Of Bayard Rustin and C. T. Vivian, two of King's associates with alleged ties to the Communist Party, King writes that he has "absolute confidence in their integrity" and "their commitment to democracy."

Transcript

1. The march was the most powerful and dramatic civil rights protest ever held in the south.
2. The fact that this march was held in the cradle of the Confederacy means that the Negro in the south has been cured from the paralysis of crippling fears.
3. It was a march of hope, a march of faith. We were marching for the realization of an idea.
[page 2]
4. a. The events of March 7 brought into every home the terror and brutality that Negroes face every day.
b.
[Page Break]
SNCC
Every movement has had created debate over tactics (?). I would be unhappy if there were not this kind of debate and exchange.
We are all (illegible) on objectives. There is a wholesome debate on tactics. To have a healthy movement.
[page 3]
To my knowledge, I have no evidence of left wing and foriegn influences.
They have seen the democratic practices totally frustrated in Miss.
Their radicalism grows out of impatience with the slow pace of establishing justice, rather than being influenced by any foreign ideology.
Rustin, Vivian
I have absolute confidence in their integrity, their commitment to democracy. Beyond this there need be no discussion.